Select Board approves up to $110,000 for Berwick town-hall steps and railings

The Berwick Select Board on July 7 voted to authorize up to $110,000 to replace the front steps at Town Hall and install railings, with work contingent on confirmation the contractor can complete the job before the November election.

Town Manager Arthur presented contractor responses and cost estimates, saying the contractor provided two finish options: "96,000 for granite, and I believe it was 92 for brick," and that railings could add as much as $14,000 if they must be newly manufactured. Arthur told the board the town could draw on multiple funding sources, noting "we'll have roughly $50,000 left in the building capital improvement plan... plus... $8,900 in the Lena Clark fund" to cover the project shortfall.

The board discussed splitting the work but ultimately a select board member moved the single authorization. "I’ll make a motion that we approve up to a $110,000 utilizing both the CIP, the capital fund, and the Lena Clark fund to complete the stairs and railing project," the member said; another member seconded and the motion carried.

Board members emphasized election timing as a constraint. Arthur said he would not allow a start date after Aug. 1 unless the contractor could still guarantee completion before the election, adding he preferred temporary roping off rather than having voters navigate an active construction area.

The board did not name a specific contractor at the July 7 meeting; Arthur said he had the contractor's written responses in the meeting packet and will return with scheduling confirmation and any final cost adjustments. The board directed staff to proceed within the approved $110,000 cap and to notify the public about timing and any temporary access changes for election day.